Following a week that has had a couple of surprising, but otherwise mostly expected results, we’re now down to the last four players. Each of the last four can probably see a realistic chance of them leaving ATP Dubai with the trophy, which makes it all the more interesting. As always, we at LWOT offer our previews and predictions for the two semifinal matches. But who will advance?
ATP Dubai Semi-finals Predictions
Andrey Rublev vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-head: Rublev 3-0 Griekspoor
Andrey Rublev has come into some good form over the past couple of weeks and would no doubt have recovered some much-needed confidence. Griekspoor, despite having endured a less-than-impressive start to the year, has arguably enjoyed a more impressive week than Rublev, having dispatched Bublik and Mensik along the way. However, in Rublev, he finds a player who has beaten him thrice, once on all three surfaces, suggesting a real edge.
If there is any consolation to be found, it is that the last match was almost 2 years ago now. He would be looking to prove those days are no longer, but it is still hard to look past Rublev. The Russian has looked rejuvenated recently and would now really fancy his chances of winning this title. I expect him to make the final.
Prediction: Rublev in 2
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Daniil Medvedev
Head-to-head: Medvedev 7-2 Auger-Aliassime
These days, it’s a bit of a surprise to see Daniil Medvedev in the latter stages of competitions, which is a statement that sounds crazy but illustrates the player’s struggles. It is also remarkable that he has made it this far, basically untroubled. Felix Auger-Aliassime, meanwhile, is looking to make his third consecutive final, which is even more surprising than Medvedev’s run, considering his streaky record. The head-to-head does not make good reading for the Canadian; however, with his 2 victories coming in their last two matches, there is room for optimism.
Lately, Medvedev has struggled with pace, which is something Auger-Aliassime possesses plenty of. Medvedev will be hoping he can bait him into long, extended rallies and force errors from the error-prone Canadian. Normally, I’d back him to be able to do so, but the resilience that once characterized Medvedev’s game seems to have deserted him. He now tends to wilt under pressure.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – Imagn Images
